Matthew Miller

Alphabet, the parent company of Google, is in discussions to acquire the cybersecurity startup Wiz.

Matthew Miller on July 16, 2024

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Alphabet’s Groundbreaking Negotiation with Cybersecurity Startup Wiz

Google parent in talks to buy cyber security startup Wiz

Quick Read

Alphabet, the parent company of Google, is in advanced negotiations to acquire Wiz for about 23 billion US dollars (34 billion in local currency).
This purchase might be the biggest one Alphabet has ever made.
Wiz provides cloud-based cybersecurity solutions utilizing AI-powered threat detection.
In 2023, Wiz achieved a revenue of $350 million and provides services to 40% of Fortune 100 companies.
The agreement occurs during increased regulatory examination under the Biden administration.
The number of mergers and acquisitions in the technology sector has increased by more than 42% compared to the same period last year.

Alphabet Announces Revolutionary Purchase

Alphabet Inc., Google’s parent company, is allegedly in the late stages of talks to purchase the cyber security firm Wiz for around US$23 billion (AU$34 billion). Should it go through, this significant transaction would be Alphabet’s biggest acquisition so far.

A source with knowledge of the situation indicated that the acquisition will mostly be financed in cash and might be finalized in the near future. This move highlights the increasing significance of cyber security as tech behemoths strive to find innovative methods to safeguard data and infrastructure.

About Wiz

Established in Israel and now based in New York, Wiz is among the rapidly expanding software startups worldwide. The company focuses on cloud-based cybersecurity solutions, utilizing artificial intelligence for instant threat detection and response.

In 2023, Wiz achieved roughly US$350 million in revenue and is currently partnering with about 40% of Fortune 100 companies. Remarkably, the startup secured US$1 billion in a private funding round, which valued the company at US$12 billion.

Wiz serves a varied clientele, including prominent firms like Morgan Stanley and DocuSign. The company collaborates with several cloud providers including Microsoft and Amazon.

Regulatory Hurdles Ahead

If Alphabet goes ahead with this acquisition, it would be an uncommon example of a prominent tech company trying to carry out a significant merger amidst rising regulatory supervision. Under President Joe Biden’s administration, US regulators have expressed increasing opposition to large tech firms further expanding through acquisitions.

Despite possible regulatory hurdles, the tech industry has experienced a substantial increase in dealmaking activities this year. For example, design software firm Synopsys agreed to purchase Ansys for approximately US$35 billion, while Hewlett Packard Enterprise reached a US$14 billion agreement to acquire Juniper Networks.

Plans for Development and Enlargement

Wiz employs approximately 900 individuals across the United States, Europe, Asia, and Israel. The company intends to increase its workforce by hiring an additional 400 employees worldwide in 2024. This expansion showcases Wiz’s dedication to growing its operations and improving its cybersecurity services.

Alphabet’s interest in Wiz follows the tech giant’s decision not to acquire the online marketing software company HubSpot. This potential acquisition aligns with Alphabet’s strategy to bolster its presence in the cybersecurity sector.

Increase in Mergers and Acquisitions

The technology sector has seen a significant increase in mergers and acquisitions this year. Data from Dealogic indicates that technology led M&A activities during the first six months of the year, rising by over 42% compared to the previous year to reach $327.2 billion.

This pattern emphasizes the growing desire among tech firms to strengthen their market standings and purchase innovative startups providing distinct solutions.

Summary

Alphabet is reportedly in advanced negotiations to purchase cybersecurity startup Wiz for around US$23 billion ($34 billion). If completed, this acquisition would represent Alphabet’s most significant to date, highlighting the increasing significance of cybersecurity solutions in the modern digital environment. This deal occurs amidst intensified regulatory oversight, yet it follows the broader trend of rising mergers and acquisitions within the tech industry.

Q&A Section

Q: Why is this acquisition important for Alphabet?

A:

This acquisition would be the largest in Alphabet’s history, underscoring its dedication to strengthening cybersecurity capabilities in the face of increasing digital threats.

Q: What kinds of services are provided by Wiz?

A:

Wiz offers cybersecurity solutions through the cloud, utilizing artificial intelligence for real-time threat detection and responses.

How has Wiz fared financially?

A:

In 2023, Wiz produced approximately US$350 million in revenue and recently secured US$1 billion through a funding round that valued the company at US$12 billion.

What potential regulatory obstacles could this acquisition encounter?

A:

During President Biden’s tenure, there has been heightened regulatory attention on major technology companies purchasing smaller firms, potentially complicating this transaction.

Who are some of the prominent clients of Wiz?

A:

Wiz partners with leading enterprises such as Morgan Stanley and DocuSign and works together with cloud service providers like Microsoft and Amazon.

Q: In what way does this acquisition align with Alphabet’s overall strategy?

A:

Acquiring Wiz supports Alphabet’s plan to enhance its cybersecurity capabilities and protect its extensive digital network.

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Germany plans to remove Huawei and ZTE equipment from its 5G core network.

Matthew Miller on July 14, 2024

Germany plans to exclude Huawei and ZTE from its 5G network by 2029.

Germany’s Decisive Action: Removing Huawei and ZTE from 5G Network by 2029

Quick Read

Germany plans to remove Huawei and ZTE components from its 5G network by the year 2029.
The initiative seeks to bolster digital security in the largest economy in Europe.
The initial phase-out will begin with core network 5G data centers by 2026.
Huawei and China have condemned the decision, arguing that there is insufficient evidence of security risks.
Telecom operators such as Deutsche Telekom and Vodafone must adhere to the new regulations.

Germany's plan to exclude Huawei and ZTE from its 5G network by 2029

A New Agreement

Germany’s Interior Minister, Nancy Faeser, revealed a significant agreement with telecom companies to remove Chinese technology firms Huawei and ZTE from the nation’s 5G infrastructure by the year 2029. This decision is regarded as an essential step to ensure digital security within Europe’s biggest economy.

Why Omit Chinese Technology?

The arrangement comes after thorough talks between Germany’s interior ministry and key telecommunications companies like Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, and Telefonica Deutschland. The main goal is to shield Germany’s vital infrastructure from possible security threats due to Chinese involvement.

China’s Response

The Chinese embassy in Germany has criticized the decision, calling it a “ruthless attempt” to stifle competition and advance German technology. They contend that there is no concrete evidence to support the allegations that Huawei equipment is a security risk.

Implementation Phases

The phase-out will be implemented in two phases. In the first phase, telecom operators must eliminate Chinese-made technology from the core network of 5G data centres by 2026. The second phase necessitates the removal of Chinese components, including antennas, transmission lines, and towers by 2029.

EU Security Measures

Germany has lagged somewhat in adopting the European Union’s security protocols for 5G networks. This recent agreement is perceived as an effort to better synchronize with EU-wide policies focused on improving digital security.

Reply from Telecommunications Providers

Telecom companies have traditionally opposed Berlin’s initiatives to eliminate Huawei, citing high expenses. Nonetheless, they now support the new policies. Huawei has condemned the decision, labeling it as a politicization of cybersecurity concerns.

Summary

Germany’s choice to remove Huawei and ZTE from its 5G network by 2029 is a strategic effort to improve digital security. Although China has objected to the decision, arguing there is no evidence of security threats, Germany is advancing with a gradual implementation plan that includes key telecom providers. This action brings Germany more in line with the European Union’s security protocols for 5G networks.

Why has Germany decided to exclude Huawei and ZTE from its 5G network?

The main objective is to enhance digital security and safeguard essential infrastructure against potential threats from Chinese influence.

Q: What stages are included in this exclusion plan?

A: The strategy will be executed in two phases: firstly, the extraction of Chinese technology from main network data centers by 2026, and secondly, the removal of components such as antennas and transmission lines by 2029.

Q: What has been China’s reaction to this decision?

The Chinese embassy in Germany has criticized this action, labeling it an effort to stifle competition and advance German technology. They assert that no substantial evidence has been provided to substantiate the claims of security risks.

Q: What are the opinions of German telecommunications companies regarding this proposal?

Initially hesitant due to the high expenses, major operators like Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, and Telefonica Deutschland have now embraced the new regulations.

Is Germany in agreement with the European Union’s security policies?

Germany has lagged somewhat in adopting EU security measures for 5G networks but intends to better align with this new agreement.

What is Huawei’s response to these advancements?

Huawei has condemned the decision, describing it as the politicization of cybersecurity concerns without solid proof to substantiate claims of security risks.

Q: Is there likely to be any form of counteraction from China?

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser mentioned that she does not anticipate any backlash from China regarding the proposed restrictions on Chinese technology.

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AT&T Discloses Significant Data Breach: 109 Million US Customer Accounts Affected

Matthew Miller on July 14, 2024

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AT&T Data Breach: 109 Million US Customer Accounts Exposed

Quick Read

AT&T experiences a significant data breach, affecting 109 million customer accounts in the United States.
The data that has been compromised includes call and text records from the year 2022.
The FBI and the US Federal Communications Commission are conducting an investigation.
The security breach came after a ransomware attack on UnitedHealth Group in February.
AT&T has blocked the route of unauthorized access.

AT&T Data Breach: Current Information and Insights

AT&T Data Breach Affects 109 Million US Customers

The American telecommunications behemoth AT&T has disclosed a major data breach affecting the call and text records of approximately 109 million US customer accounts. This breach took place in April when the data was unlawfully extracted from a third-party cloud service.

Extent of the Violation

The breached data encompasses call and text records from May to October 2022 for virtually all AT&T cellular and landline clients. It’s essential to clarify that the content of these calls and texts, as well as personal details like social security numbers, were not part of the compromised information. Additionally, the records involve interactions from AT&T customers of mobile virtual network operators using AT&T’s wireless network.

Ongoing Investigations

The FBI is presently examining the breach, and at least one person has been detained. The US Federal Communications Commission is also conducting an investigation. The FBI and the US Justice Department cooperated with AT&T to handle the incident-response and exchange essential threat intelligence.

Delayed Public Disclosure

The US Justice Department requested a delay in the public announcement of the hack. AT&T discovered the breach on April 19, following claims by a hacker that they had illegally obtained and duplicated AT&T’s call logs from April 14 to April 25.

Previous Data Incidents

This breach is the most recent in a string of major cyber-attacks impacting a large number of Americans. In February, UnitedHealth Group’s Change Healthcare division experienced a ransomware attack that may have compromised the personal information of a third of the US population. Moreover, in March, AT&T looked into a data set that was released on the dark web, seemingly impacting about 7.6 million current account holders and 65.4 million former account holders. This data set appeared to originate from 2019 or earlier.

Potential Consequences and Future Actions

Although AT&T has sealed the breach of unauthorized access and does not think the data is accessible to the public, the company is still collaborating closely with federal investigators to ensure the ongoing security and privacy of its customers’ information.

Summary

The AT&T data breach has impacted about 109 million US customer accounts, revealing call and text records from 2022. The FBI and other federal agencies are currently investigating the incident, and AT&T has secured the breach’s source. This occurrence highlights the increasing necessity for strong cybersecurity measures to protect consumer data.

Q&A

Q: What type of information was affected in the AT&T security breach?

A:

The breached data encompasses records of calls and texts from May to October 2022 for almost all AT&T cellular and landline users. Nevertheless, it excludes the content of calls or texts and personal details such as social security numbers.

Who is currently looking into the AT&T data breach?

A:

The breach is being investigated by both the FBI and the US Federal Communications Commission. At least one person has been arrested in relation to the incident.

When did AT&T become aware of the breach?

A:

AT&T initially discovered the breach on April 19, when a hacker asserted that they had illicitly accessed and duplicated AT&T’s call logs from April 14 to April 25.

Q: Has AT&T implemented any measures to avoid future security breaches?

A:

Indeed, AT&T has addressed the point of unauthorized access and is collaborating closely with federal investigators to improve its cybersecurity protocols and safeguard customer information in the future.

“`

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New Assassin’s Creed × MTG Set Introduces DeathTouch for Everyone!

Matthew Miller on July 13, 2024

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New Assassin’s Creed and MTG Set Introduces DeathTouch for Everyone!

It’s the collaboration you’ve eagerly anticipated: magic meets assassins. Magic: The Gathering (MTG), a long-standing trading card game that debuted in the early 1990s, occasionally releases a collection known as Secret Lair.

These collections are joint efforts, transforming ordinary cards into unique modifications. Previous collaborations have featured Lord of the Rings, Street Fighter, Hatsune Miku, Dungeons & Dragons, and celebrations for occasions like Lunar New Year, International Women’s Day, and others. Now, our beloved assassins from various eras are part of the new set through a partnership with Assassin’s Creed.

New Assassin’s Creed packs include featured assassins.

The latest Assassin’s Creed Secret Lair partnership introduces a variety of famed characters from Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed series into Magic: The Gathering. This collection showcases heroes from all the major games, allowing you to assemble your own team of assassins. If you began with the initial trilogy like I did, you’ll spot familiar faces such as Desmond Miles, Ezio, and even Leonardo da Vinci.

Assassins featuring Desmond Miles, Initiate, Arno Dorian, Alexios, Edward Kenay, Shay Cormac, Haytham Kenway, and Shad Jun. — Some of my favorite assassins from the collection (Photo TechBest)

If you’ve experienced the newer Valhalla game, you’ll likely recognize Eivor. Additionally, there’s Kassandra from Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, among many other human assassins you can discover.

Other cherished aspects of Assassin’s Creed find their way into Magic: The Gathering.

The Magic: The Gathering set brings more than just assassins and human characters to evoke nostalgia. Within the array of legendary cards and creatures, you’ll find a variety of artifacts and spells inspired by the game. Some standout items include the Haystack, which phases out a creature you control, the Hookblade that gives a creature you control +1/+0 and flying, and Eagle Vision, which allows you to draw three cards. There are many more, but I’ll leave those for you to discover.

Cards in hand that include Swamp, Brotherhood, Hookblade Veteran (2 of), Tranquilize, Ezio Blade of Vengeance, and Auditore Ambush. — The cards showcase your favorite characters from the Assassin’s Creed games, including Ezio (Photo TechBest)

Common mechanics

Considering it’s an Assassin’s Creed-themed set, we made a joke at a recent Magic gathering that “every assassin would have deathtouch,” and we weren’t too far from the truth. Numerous assassins in the set possess abilities that you would deem crucial for assassin duties. Deathtouch is a skill that enables the creature to eliminate any opponent.